Archived Posts » 59,609,787
Purchasing a Lee Enfield
3/22/2012 9:26:50 AM
Hello,
I’m after some advice. I want to purchase a Lee Enfield rifle. Because of where I am, I don’t have as much choice as some of you have, but my local firearms dealers has got a couple of nice Lee Enfield’s in stock and I would like some advice on them. They are both in good condition, they are both the same price and I trust the dealer.
First one is a 1942 Savage made No4. It’s stamped US Property on the receiver. The rear site is right at the back of the receiver and it’s a peep hole sight, with two different options.
Second one is a India made SMLE, mid 1960’s It’s rear sight is in front of the action, and it’s just a notch.
Can people give me their opinions these two rifles, which do you think is a better choice?
I’m after some advice. I want to purchase a Lee Enfield rifle. Because of where I am, I don’t have as much choice as some of you have, but my local firearms dealers has got a couple of nice Lee Enfield’s in stock and I would like some advice on them. They are both in good condition, they are both the same price and I trust the dealer.
First one is a 1942 Savage made No4. It’s stamped US Property on the receiver. The rear site is right at the back of the receiver and it’s a peep hole sight, with two different options.
Second one is a India made SMLE, mid 1960’s It’s rear sight is in front of the action, and it’s just a notch.
Can people give me their opinions these two rifles, which do you think is a better choice?
3/22/2012 9:29:13 AM
Originally Posted By happyal:
Hello,
I’m after some advice. I want to purchase a Lee Enfield rifle. Because of where I am, I don’t have as much choice as some of you have, but my local firearms dealers has got a couple of nice Lee Enfield’s in stock and I would like some advice on them. They are both in good condition, they are both the same price and I trust the dealer.
First one is a 1942 Savage made No4. It’s stamped US Property on the receiver. The rear site is right at the back of the receiver and it’s a peep hole sight, with two different options.
Second one is a India made SMLE, mid 1960’s It’s rear sight is in front of the action, and it’s just a notch.
Can people give me their opinions these two rifles, which do you think is a better choice?
Hello,
I’m after some advice. I want to purchase a Lee Enfield rifle. Because of where I am, I don’t have as much choice as some of you have, but my local firearms dealers has got a couple of nice Lee Enfield’s in stock and I would like some advice on them. They are both in good condition, they are both the same price and I trust the dealer.
First one is a 1942 Savage made No4. It’s stamped US Property on the receiver. The rear site is right at the back of the receiver and it’s a peep hole sight, with two different options.
Second one is a India made SMLE, mid 1960’s It’s rear sight is in front of the action, and it’s just a notch.
Can people give me their opinions these two rifles, which do you think is a better choice?
Neither !
Go for the UK ones !
3/22/2012 9:35:48 AM
Option 3 is to wait for a UK version. But what is the difference? Are they much better?
3/22/2012 9:51:34 AM
Of the 2, the Savage will be the better choice...
That said - depends what part of the country you are in!
Anywhere near Bisley, or Birmingham, or any of the many places that have small arms fairs, etc.?
Quite a few specialist RFD's out there that have .303's as their main product line - at present ya have a choice of 2. Why not look to some of the dealers where the choice is 10 or 20 times as big??
Quite easy to have a rifle sent by TNT to your local RFD for a small fee.
And - the LERA (Lee Enfield Rifle Assoc.) and the HBSA (Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association) are also good sources of knowledge - plus a few of the members always have items for sale as their interests change
What was the asking price of the 2 guns local to you?
That said - depends what part of the country you are in!
Anywhere near Bisley, or Birmingham, or any of the many places that have small arms fairs, etc.?
Quite a few specialist RFD's out there that have .303's as their main product line - at present ya have a choice of 2. Why not look to some of the dealers where the choice is 10 or 20 times as big??
Quite easy to have a rifle sent by TNT to your local RFD for a small fee.
And - the LERA (Lee Enfield Rifle Assoc.) and the HBSA (Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association) are also good sources of knowledge - plus a few of the members always have items for sale as their interests change
What was the asking price of the 2 guns local to you?
3/22/2012 9:53:50 AM
I'm in the Isle of Man, choise over here is limited and importing one would be possible but a hassle.
Price is £450
Price is £450
3/22/2012 9:56:17 AM
Given that choice, I would go with the number 4.
3/22/2012 10:00:49 AM
The Savage would be the best choice if your'e limited to those two, But: Find out if it has a four groove barrel. If it has good to go, if it is 2-groove barrel, boat-tailed* bullets will be about 10-15% less precise than flatbottom ones.
How do I know? I have a Savage with a 2-groove barrel......
Soren
*All modern factory FMJ loads.
Eta: Get a ladder adjustable sight for it.
How do I know? I have a Savage with a 2-groove barrel......
Soren
*All modern factory FMJ loads.
Eta: Get a ladder adjustable sight for it.
3/22/2012 10:10:20 AM
Originally Posted By happyal:
I'm in the Isle of Man, choise over here is limited and importing one would be possible but a hassle.
Price is £450
I'm in the Isle of Man, choise over here is limited and importing one would be possible but a hassle.
Price is £450
Ah - one of the few places left in the UK where you can still own a real AR15 and other semi-auto rifles.
Wish I had your problems!!
Most mainland RFD's will happily send a .303 to you by courier, just a case of doing a little more research and deciding what you want.
A local RFD I know travels there quite often to compete in the pistol matches: chances are he'd bring a .303 with him if you didn't want to buy one of the 2 local ones.
3/22/2012 11:00:57 AM
I would look at a UK No4 or SMLE. I know some great RFD's with a good standard of LE stock. And they ship to your lovely Island !
3/22/2012 11:11:41 AM
The No4 has better sights....I find the SMLE sights hard to pick up these days.
Buy a British one too
Buy a British one too
3/22/2012 11:51:36 AM
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
3/22/2012 12:35:09 PM
Originally Posted By Strangely_Brown:
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
I bought a mint blonde 1954 Fazackerly N04 a couple of years ago. (Irish contract rifle allegedly)
3/22/2012 12:41:42 PM
Originally Posted By steven_uk:
I bought a mint blonde 1954 Fazackerly N04 a couple of years ago. (Irish contract rifle allegedly)
Originally Posted By Strangely_Brown:
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
I bought a mint blonde 1954 Fazackerly N04 a couple of years ago. (Irish contract rifle allegedly)
I have a list of the serial numbers for the various contracts, plus a few more still being researched, pm me your serial number if you want?
3/22/2012 12:43:43 PM
Originally Posted By Strangely_Brown:
I have a list of the serial numbers for the various contracts, plus a few more still being researched, pm me your serial number if you want?
Originally Posted By steven_uk:
I bought a mint blonde 1954 Fazackerly N04 a couple of years ago. (Irish contract rifle allegedly)
Originally Posted By Strangely_Brown:
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
I bought a mint blonde 1954 Fazackerly N04 a couple of years ago. (Irish contract rifle allegedly)
I have a list of the serial numbers for the various contracts, plus a few more still being researched, pm me your serial number if you want?
Will do Strangely, thanks
3/22/2012 1:22:18 PM
I remember the last 2 groove savage i shot. Crap apparently....
5 shots at 600 yards at Strensall.
3 V,s and 2 5,s. Utter shite.....
5 shots at 600 yards at Strensall.
3 V,s and 2 5,s. Utter shite.....
3/22/2012 2:12:42 PM
Originally Posted By baldie:
I remember the last 2 groove savage i shot. Crap apparently....
5 shots at 600 yards at Strensall.
3 V,s and 2 5,s. Utter shite.....
I remember the last 2 groove savage i shot. Crap apparently....
5 shots at 600 yards at Strensall.
3 V,s and 2 5,s. Utter shite.....
Just goes to show, everyone gets lucky sometimes
3/22/2012 2:58:48 PM
Originally Posted By Strangely_Brown:
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
In terms of finish and quality I reckon the Canadian Long Branch No4's are better than most British war time manufactured No4's.
The post war Scouse (ROF Fackzackerly) made No4 Mk2 is also a good bet and can be found in unused condition from some RFD's who have re imported then from the US.
PM me if you want to know of a specialist Enfield dealer who has a decent selection.
For obvious reasons, I believe the U.S. made Savage to the be best of all No. 4s.
As I also own a Canadian Longbranch, I can assure you that these North American made guns are also top quality.
OTOH, my cousin in Canada once opined that the Indian made guns can be suitable for clubbing the enemy at close ranges (but little else).
3/22/2012 3:52:48 PM
They will both be decent starter rifles. I'm not an expert, but I have shot the majority of Enfield variants. Is that Indian rifle a 7.62X51mm conversion? Not particularly common to find the 7.62 rifle length Indian SMLEs these days. They are often rougher than other Enfields, but they work well enough and make an interesting curio. The Americans seem very keen on the 7.62 carbine version.
If you want the best (well, by usual tastes) Enfield for accurate range use, look for a post-war No.4 Mk 2, preferably with very limited use. These are getting damn expensive and not especially common. I'd want all matching numbers and a pristine bore on any serious Enfield purchase (you can have them re-barrelled, but it isn't cheap.
Fultons regulated No.4s can also be a good buy.
If you want the best (well, by usual tastes) Enfield for accurate range use, look for a post-war No.4 Mk 2, preferably with very limited use. These are getting damn expensive and not especially common. I'd want all matching numbers and a pristine bore on any serious Enfield purchase (you can have them re-barrelled, but it isn't cheap.
Fultons regulated No.4s can also be a good buy.
3/22/2012 4:03:25 PM
Originally Posted By happyal:
Hello,
I’m after some advice. I want to purchase a Lee Enfield rifle. Because of where I am, I don’t have as much choice as some of you have, but my local firearms dealers has got a couple of nice Lee Enfield’s in stock and I would like some advice on them. They are both in good condition, they are both the same price and I trust the dealer.
First one is a 1942 Savage made No4. It’s stamped US Property on the receiver. The rear site is right at the back of the receiver and it’s a peep hole sight, with two different options.
Second one is a India made SMLE, mid 1960’s It’s rear sight is in front of the action, and it’s just a notch.
Can people give me their opinions these two rifles, which do you think is a better choice?
Hello,
I’m after some advice. I want to purchase a Lee Enfield rifle. Because of where I am, I don’t have as much choice as some of you have, but my local firearms dealers has got a couple of nice Lee Enfield’s in stock and I would like some advice on them. They are both in good condition, they are both the same price and I trust the dealer.
First one is a 1942 Savage made No4. It’s stamped US Property on the receiver. The rear site is right at the back of the receiver and it’s a peep hole sight, with two different options.
Second one is a India made SMLE, mid 1960’s It’s rear sight is in front of the action, and it’s just a notch.
Can people give me their opinions these two rifles, which do you think is a better choice?
Savage is better choice
..they are good quality and with walnut furniture they look good too......
for better accuracy you need to change the rear sight to No4 micrometer sight
3/22/2012 4:55:09 PM
Hunt around and do your research. Be patient. My No4 MK2 Regulated by Fultons was a smidge over £300.
3/22/2012 6:28:57 PM
Price seems a bit high.
Out of the pair on offer I'd take the Savage. For two reasons:
1. I have one (1944)
2. For an older person the rear sight being closer to the eye makes aiming the rifle an awful lot easier. I wish that wasnt the case as I could then justify a SMLE.
Price for these rifles in Bisley would be about 350 quid.
3/23/2012 4:15:50 AM
Thanks for all teh advice guys, you've certainly given me something to think about.
I'll PM a few memebers and find out about other dealers.
I'll PM a few memebers and find out about other dealers.
3/23/2012 5:58:35 AM
Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley
No 4 Mk II Production Serial Numbers
PF 118000 PF 217999 N/K 100,000 Start of Mk II Production.
PF 218000 PF 219799 N/K 1800
PF 219799 PF 275947 N/K 56,148
PF 225948 PF 250947 N/K 25,000
Circa 1951/52
PF 250948 PF 301547 British Army 50,600
PF 301548 PF 304047 Sudanese Order
PF 304048 PF 309347 N/K 5300
PF 309348 PF 359347 Irish Republic
PF 359348 PF 359747 N/K 400
PF 359748 PF 359817 Zambia
PF 359818 PF 359852 Singapore
PF 359953 PF 360052 Kingston
PF 360053 PF 360202 Trinidad
PF 360203 PF 360238 St Vincent
PF 360239 PF 360258 St Kitts
PF 360259 PF 360459 War Office ?
PF 360480 PF 361159 Uganda
PF 361160 PF 361259 Parker Hale
PF 361280 PF 401086 Burma
PF 401087 PF 401495 409 Made into No 4 (T)
PF 401496 PF 404156 N/K 2661
PF 401157 PF 404206 Parker Hale
PF 404207 PF 405392 N/K 1186
PF 405393 PF 405412 St Vincent
Circa 1954
PF 405413 PF 405512 N/K 100
PF 405513 PF 405712 Admiralty 100
PF 405713 PF 405812 N/K 100
PF 405813 PF 405848 G E Fulton (Bisley)
PF 405849 PF 407448 N/K 1600
PF 407449 PF 407648 Trinidad
PF 407649 PF 407728 Zanzibar
PF 407729 PF 411228 N/K 3500
PF 411229 PF 411264 G E Fulton (Bisley)
PF 411265 PF 411481 Kenya
PF 411482 PF 411471 ? Hong Kong
PF 411472 PF 412789 N/K 1318
1951 Special Order
PP1 PP43 Parker Hale
PP44 PP47 To an unknown UK source
Fazackerly Serial Numbers.
NUMBERS NOT IN STRATTONS BOOK
circa 1951/1954
PF405513 - PF405712 ADMIRALTY
PF405813 - PF405848 FULTONS BISLEY
PF411229 - PF411264 FULTONS BISLEY
PF361160 - PF361259 PARKER HALE
PF404157 - PF404206 PARKER HALE
Unknown contracts
PF401496 - PF404156 2661 RIFLES
PF404207 - PF405392 1186 RIFLES
PF405413 - PF405512 100 RIFLES
PF405713 - PF405812 100 RIFLES
PF405849 - PF407448 1600 RIFLES
PF407729 - PF411228 3500 RIFLES
PF411472 - PF412789 1318 RIFLES
SPECIAL ORDERS
PP1 - PP43 PARKER HALE
PP44 - PP47
No 4 Mk II Production Serial Numbers
PF 118000 PF 217999 N/K 100,000 Start of Mk II Production.
PF 218000 PF 219799 N/K 1800
PF 219799 PF 275947 N/K 56,148
PF 225948 PF 250947 N/K 25,000
Circa 1951/52
PF 250948 PF 301547 British Army 50,600
PF 301548 PF 304047 Sudanese Order
PF 304048 PF 309347 N/K 5300
PF 309348 PF 359347 Irish Republic
PF 359348 PF 359747 N/K 400
PF 359748 PF 359817 Zambia
PF 359818 PF 359852 Singapore
PF 359953 PF 360052 Kingston
PF 360053 PF 360202 Trinidad
PF 360203 PF 360238 St Vincent
PF 360239 PF 360258 St Kitts
PF 360259 PF 360459 War Office ?
PF 360480 PF 361159 Uganda
PF 361160 PF 361259 Parker Hale
PF 361280 PF 401086 Burma
PF 401087 PF 401495 409 Made into No 4 (T)
PF 401496 PF 404156 N/K 2661
PF 401157 PF 404206 Parker Hale
PF 404207 PF 405392 N/K 1186
PF 405393 PF 405412 St Vincent
Circa 1954
PF 405413 PF 405512 N/K 100
PF 405513 PF 405712 Admiralty 100
PF 405713 PF 405812 N/K 100
PF 405813 PF 405848 G E Fulton (Bisley)
PF 405849 PF 407448 N/K 1600
PF 407449 PF 407648 Trinidad
PF 407649 PF 407728 Zanzibar
PF 407729 PF 411228 N/K 3500
PF 411229 PF 411264 G E Fulton (Bisley)
PF 411265 PF 411481 Kenya
PF 411482 PF 411471 ? Hong Kong
PF 411472 PF 412789 N/K 1318
1951 Special Order
PP1 PP43 Parker Hale
PP44 PP47 To an unknown UK source
Fazackerly Serial Numbers.
NUMBERS NOT IN STRATTONS BOOK
circa 1951/1954
PF405513 - PF405712 ADMIRALTY
PF405813 - PF405848 FULTONS BISLEY
PF411229 - PF411264 FULTONS BISLEY
PF361160 - PF361259 PARKER HALE
PF404157 - PF404206 PARKER HALE
Unknown contracts
PF401496 - PF404156 2661 RIFLES
PF404207 - PF405392 1186 RIFLES
PF405413 - PF405512 100 RIFLES
PF405713 - PF405812 100 RIFLES
PF405849 - PF407448 1600 RIFLES
PF407729 - PF411228 3500 RIFLES
PF411472 - PF412789 1318 RIFLES
SPECIAL ORDERS
PP1 - PP43 PARKER HALE
PP44 - PP47
